Most of our lives are a blur, from the minute the alarm clock jars us awake until we pass out in bed after a long day. The hours in between are filled with work, friends, obligations, drama and a million other things, and it can feel so difficult to make time for yourself. We’re so busy checking all the boxes on our to-do lists that we neglect any form of self care that is essential for our mental and physical well-being. So, what would happen if you took just 30 minutes every day to take care of yourself? It’s easier than you’d think – and it could totally change your life.
- Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than usual.Those measly minutes won’t actually affect how tired you are, but how you start your day can affect how the rest of it goes. The time you spend on self care in the morning will make you feel more relaxed, confident, and happy for the rest of the day..
- Move your phone and/or alarm clock so you have to get out of bed to reach it. This makes all the difference because it all gets easier once you’re vertical. Plus, the less time you spend on your phone in bed, the better you will sleep.
- Do something to really wake yourself up.I like to wash my face in cold water and watch the tired zombie look in my eyes sink down the drain with the soap bubbles. The point of a morning ritual isn’t to sleepwalk through it. You should consciously and intentionally be choosing to make your morning begin in the best way possible.
- Stretch it out.If you practice yoga, make your mat easily accessible and do a few sun salutations, an inversion, or just child’s pose. I like to do my favorite poses – happy baby, plow, pigeon, lizard – in whatever flow feels good at the time. Even if you’re not a yogi, any movement is going to make you feel more awake and ready to face the day.
- Sit still and enjoy the quiet. Don’t touch your computer or phone until the end of your ritual. Take a minute to enjoy the calm before it’s gone, and the volume gets turned up by the demands of your day. Honestly, how many times in your day do you just sit down and focus on breathing? It’s a game changer. Set a timer and meditate for five minutes. You’ll feel calm, more focused, and better about starting a new day.
- Make yourself some breakfast.Before starting my morning ritual, I’d be out of bed and out the door within 15 minutes, and I never had time or the desire to eat. Lots of us skip breakfast, which is one of the worst things you can do for your body. Give your brain and your body some fuel, and you’ll feel better all day long.
- Have a great day! You did it! You spent 30 minutes taking care of yourself! See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?
